“Safe food is essential to improve public health”

Lapo Mughini-Gras appointed Professor of Food Safety and Public Health

Lapo Mughini-Gras

The Executive Board has appointed Lapo Mughini-Gras as Professor of Food Safety and Public Health at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University with effect from 15 October 2024. The chair contributes to the control of pathogens that spread via food, such as zoonoses (infectious diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans) and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. “With this chair, I can make a meaningful impact on science, education and society.” 

Each year, millions of people worldwide – about one in ten – become ill after eating contaminated food. Unsafe food mainly affects children, older people, pregnant women and people with a weaker immune system. Mughini-Gras focuses on the sources, risk factors and consequences of foodborne diseases to inform policy-making. He employs a One Health approach, which acknowledges the strong interdependencies among the health of animals, humans and the environment.

What does this appointment mean for you?

“I see this chair as a unique opportunity to contribute to an important discipline. Food safety is essential for improving public health. In principle, diseases caused by contaminated food can largely be prevented. We are also increasingly capable of accurately identifying the sources of infection. Cooperation in the food production chains can help prevent outbreaks and facilitate faster control, while also contributing to the development of resilient food systems and empowering consumers to make safe choices. Food safety also influences the economy, consumer confidence, international trade, and tourism, while contributing to sustainable development. I see this appointment as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on science, education and society, and to inspire students, and to collaborate with other experts at both national and international levels.” 

What do you think is the most important goal of the chair?

“Deploy a One Health perspective to connect food safety with public health practices. Scientifically substantiated knowledge can enhance safe food production and consumption. That contributes to a better food culture among both food producers and consumers. Collaboration with industry, government and other stakeholders is crucial in this context.” 

“I am pleased that this chair is positioned at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinarians play an important role in food safety, a fact that cannot be overstated. They safeguard the health and well-being of food-producing animals, while ensuring responsible use of medicines. They assess the hygiene and quality of animal products and conduct inspections in slaughterhouses and food-processing facilities. They are also involved in the prevention and management of zoonoses and ensure compliance with the legislation. Through good food safety practices in veterinary medicine, we can reduce disease burden, food waste and the unnecessary use of resources.” 

What is the societal relevance of this chair?

“Research into food safety is crucial for a healthy, safe and sustainable food supply in our society. Consumers must be able to trust that their food is safe, and research help to strengthen this trust. It also helps to reduce the environmental impact of food production. Foodborne infections result in considerable societal costs, mainly due to productivity loss and damage to the food industry in developed countries like the Netherlands. Research serves as the foundation for effective policy measures and legislation, and encourages technological innovations to improve food safety.” 

What are the biggest challenges?

“Food safety is a global issue and we are reliant on increasingly complex food supply chains. Pandemics, natural disasters and geopolitical tensions can disrupt the food supply. Furthermore, the globalisation of food supply complicates the enforcement of consistent food safety standards and risk management. The growing world population, demographic shifts such as ageing societies, misinformation, and changing eating habits also present challenges for food safety. Not to mention the consequences of climate change.” 

Besides his professorship at Utrecht University, Mughini-Gras serves as senior epidemiologist and scientific advisor in One Health Risk Analysis at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).